Arnel Being Homesick

[Jana]

Great post, Saint John. In the interview with Neal that was posted you could see a sadness still. Even when he laughed there was that sadness in his eyes. It wasn't the same guy from previous interviews, so I believe what you say you saw when meeting him.

It's been a hard tour and I'm glad he's getting a rest. But I also agree with Styxcollector, it is a touring band. BUT they need to have breaks definitely not just for him to see family but for his voice. Otherwise, he'll burn out physically and emotionally. It's a very hard catalogue of music. He's putting himself on the line every night. And I think they should stop these three back-to-back nights they've done in the tour. But having said that, it is a touring band, and if he can never adjust to being in different cities night after night on tour, that worries me. It's part of being in a band. But I think he will adjust. He just needs some time in between with his loved ones to recharge. Good decision, Neal and Jon.



"ARNEL MAKES ME A BETTER GUY JUST KNOWING HIM" - JONATHAN CAIN

[Enigma869]

I'd like to publically thank Deen Castronovo for the enormous "sacrifice" he has made, in being away from his 3 year old son, during the rigors of this grueling, endless tour. I can only hope that Mr. Castronovo somehow finds the strength to get back into the studio, to record some new music with Journey next year


John from Boston

[StyxCollector]

I agree totally, some people are wired different and handle being away from home and family better or worse. Today marks exactly six months since I moved to Chicago. I've had three distinct bouts of homesickness that almost drove me back to Virginia. After 3 weeks, again around 2 months, and then about a month ago. Lasted maybe a day or two. Getting really nostalgic thinking about home and what I'm missing, and my little brother begging me to come see him. The air, the mountains, chilling at my aunt's car shop with a beer in the evenings talking about how crazy my Granny was... little things. Big things.

But, for me it's getting easier. I (and I think Arnel can relate maybe) realize that I'm doing this because it is what is best for me right now. The money, the opportunity, and getting to what I want in life. Home will always be waiting on me, and I miss everyone... but I know if I go back there's nothing there for me. These six months have flown by though. I hope Arnel can just take a few breaths, go home, relax, and assure himself that it is a little sacrifice now for a bigger gain in the end.

Exactly. I don't live in NJ where my family is, but I can visit when I want. I haven't lived in NJ for 15 years, really. You move or make career choices for hopefully the right reasons that in the end, it pays off big. Some people just want to be comfortable and stay in one spot forever. That's OK, too. It's what makes the world go around.

BTW, I love Chicago. One of the best places in the US.

[Enigma869]

Neil is a road dog, Arnel is not.

Neal likes being on the road more than he likes marriage


John from Boston

[Don]

Here is a list of tour dates from the Perry era. 4 to 5 months on the road with a couple months off seems to be the norm.

http://www.geocities.com/digital_journe ... dates.html

[StyxCollector]

Neal likes being on the road more than he likes marriage

He's known the road since 15 and almost knows no other way. Despite Bad English, the Journey hiatus after 1987 to about 1998 when he didn't tour much had to be painful for him.

[Jana]

Well, Enigma, Neal could be on the road 24/7. And Deen loves the road. But they're not out there with their voice on the line every night. Even Neal said he wouldn't be the lead singer of Journey for anything. He has a different stress than they do, so being with his family and home, if that's what it takes to keep Arnel healthy and happy and this band going, I'm all for it. Take breaks and keep giving us great music.

[StyxCollector]

Well, Enigma, Neal could be on the road 24/7. And Deen loves the road. But they're not out there with their voice on the line every night. Even Neal said he wouldn't be the lead singer of Journey for anything. He has a different stress than they do, so being with his family and home, if that's what it takes to keep Arnel healthy and happy and this band going, I'm all for it. Take breaks and keep giving us great music.

Let's hope they do, but the past 8 - 10 years are a bad pattern for long term ... just saying that their track record doesn't say much for the future. Let's hope they really do pay attention, otherwise Arnel will be gone.

[Enigma869]

Well, Enigma, Neal could be on the road 24/7. And Deen loves the road. But they're not out there with their voice on the line every night. Even Neal said he wouldn't be the lead singer of Journey for anything. He has a different stress than they do, so being with his family and home, if that's what it takes to keep Arnel healthy and happy and this band going, I'm all for it. Take breaks and keep giving us great music.

What's your point? I don't recall saying that Arnel shouldn't go home to be with his family. Furthermore, I don't need you or anyone else to educate me on the rigors of singing Journey's catalog. I've been a fan of this band for many years, and have watched this catalog burn out voice after voice, and Arnel will be next! I think Neal is clinically insane for his non-stop touring! In spite of what he says, he simply has never understood what this catalog does to a human voice, or even a super human voice, in Perry's case!


John from Boston

[Rhiannon]

I agree totally, some people are wired different and handle being away from home and family better or worse. Today marks exactly six months since I moved to Chicago. I've had three distinct bouts of homesickness that almost drove me back to Virginia. After 3 weeks, again around 2 months, and then about a month ago. Lasted maybe a day or two. Getting really nostalgic thinking about home and what I'm missing, and my little brother begging me to come see him. The air, the mountains, chilling at my aunt's car shop with a beer in the evenings talking about how crazy my Granny was... little things. Big things.

But, for me it's getting easier. I (and I think Arnel can relate maybe) realize that I'm doing this because it is what is best for me right now. The money, the opportunity, and getting to what I want in life. Home will always be waiting on me, and I miss everyone... but I know if I go back there's nothing there for me. These six months have flown by though. I hope Arnel can just take a few breaths, go home, relax, and assure himself that it is a little sacrifice now for a bigger gain in the end.

Exactly. I don't live in NJ where my family is, but I can visit when I want. I haven't lived in NJ for 15 years, really. You move or make career choices for hopefully the right reasons that in the end, it pays off big. Some people just want to be comfortable and stay in one spot forever. That's OK, too. It's what makes the world go around.

BTW, I love Chicago. One of the best places in the US.

Yep. And that's what it was for me. There is so little opportunity there. Just factories closing and a Wal-Mart. I'm willing to be a little homesick to get somewhere. I'll go back one day. I've visited twice since I moved. It already feels different to go back.

Chicago is awesome. I made a great choice... I'm toying with the idea of Colorado next...

[StyxCollector]

Chicago is awesome. I made a great choice... I'm toying with the idea of Colorado next...

Denver isn't too bad, but not a place I could settle. Nice to visit, though. Then again, I don't know what you do so your industry of chouce may be hot there.

[Saint John]

I'd like to publically thank Deen Castronovo for the enormous "sacrifice" he has made, in being away from his 3 year old son, during the rigors of this grueling, endless tour. I can only hope that Mr. Castronovo somehow finds the strength to get back into the studio, to record some new music with Journey next year


John from Boston

Bad example, John. Deen can fly his family in at any time. Arnel can't.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Personally I've never experienced homesickness during all of the years lived outside of the U.S. at different times in my life. I've been excited when I was on my way back to see specific people though, but that's about it. I'm an extremely independant individual though, not everybody's like that.

My only weekness is being away from my wife. Seems to be AP's case with his signifigant other.

[StyxCollector]

Personally I've never experienced homesickness during all of the years lived outside of the U.S. at different times in my life. I've been excited when I was on my way back to see specific people though, but that's about it. I'm an extremely independant individual though, not everybody's like that.

That's been my point all along ... you either have the temperment for this or not. There's no inbetween. Like you, I'm very independent. I know people who would crumble if they were away for long periods of time. Neither is right or wrong.

I miss my basses on the road. That's about it.

[etcetera]

Nice post!

Lol...If I remember it right, Arnel has already addressed these very same issues in the Rolling Stone and CBS5 interviews.

[Ratgirl]

Great post Dan! Being homesick sucks. I cant imagine being away from my friends and family
for a couple months at a time especially in another country.

In time Arnel will get used to touring the US more and make better arrangements to accomodate
for him and his family.

[nutz4Neal]

Great post, Dan!

No matter how much Neal, and apparently Jon, Deen & Ross too, like to work I'm sure they ALL get home sick and miss their families. Big difference is that they can fly them in to a show and have them travel with them for a few days. Neal's girlfriend is traveling with him this tour and I've seen Deen's family with him also at a show.

I guess because of Visa's and such, that hasn't been the case for Arnel. Hopefully they can work all that out and get him a bus for his family to travel with him next tour..seems that would do wonders for him.

Someone said Arnel should have known what he was in for. I don't see how that could be possible. Neal said in the CBS5 interview that none of them knew what to expect with this tour. Arnel has never done anything like this in his career so it's all new for him. Yeah, he knew somewhat what to expect; but how could he have ever known the loneliness would be so great.

Angela hit the nail on the head when she said he was away from his country as well as his family. I don't think he's ever left his country before, never heard about it if he has. That has to be double hard for him.

He's such a talented and sweet man & it's obvious how much he appreciates this opporunity. I sure hope that when he is able to visit home for a while, he will return to the road refreshed & rejuvinated and ready to kick major arse again.

[Enigma869]

I don't think he's ever left his country before, never heard about it if he has.

He has definitely left his country before. I've read interviews where he has stated that he was in Hong Kong for extended durations, performing. Perhaps his family was able to be with him on those tours, so it wasn't as bad.


John from Boston

[Melissa]

Great post Dan. I'm a military brat so I don't really have a "home", lol (had several, lol), but I do know what it's like to not have people you love in your life every day, just to see them, hear their voices, give them a hug...hell, to me being in someone's arms that you love IS home.

[Tito]

Have you been away at 4 to 8 months consecutively though?

Length of time is relative. Whether it's a day or 8 months, some people are prone to missing their loved ones or other stuff immensely. I know plenty of folks on the road who check in more than once a day. I'm not that kind of guy, but that's just me.

I've done longer shots consecutively as well as the whole M - Th, or M - F, but back out on Sunday thing to be there for Monday. Home is more of a stopover to change clothes - you're not home, really. And chances are you're still doing work.

That's why you have divides like DDY and Styx. DDY likes to tour, but at a different pace than Styx. Tommy is a road dog, Dennis is not. Neil is a road dog, Arnel is not. This is going to be challenging for Journey going forward but at least it seems like they are listening to Arnel.

No it won't. This first time will be the toughest. Next year it will be a breeze. Marathon tour coming up.

[Tito]

BTW, I love Chicago. One of the best places in the US.....

....to visit.

[Tito]

Neil is a road dog, Arnel is not.

Neal likes being on the road more than he likes marriage


John from Boston

That's not fair.

[DrFU]

Thanks for the story and the thread, Dan.

Hierarchy of Misery arguments are a collosal waste of time. Someone, somewhere always has it worse than whoever's story is under discussion. That other people are worse off or are faring better under similar circumstances doesn't negate someone's personal struggles, and using that kind of logic as an excuse to ridicule folks for showing compassion is just ... silly.

Arnel's living in a farie tale, sure, but those tales are always riddled with dragons, trolls, evil sorcerers, nefarious plots, and all sorts of other of other terrors. I'm rooting for the little hero in this one.

[Saint John]

I think part of the problem was that Journey did NOT expect such huge crowds this year and they thought they had to book a lot of dates to cover travel expenses and tour costs. I don't think anyone knew (except me of course )Arnel would be so embraced and garner such attention. The bill was a factor in the large crowds, but let's not forget that Cheap Trick often plays for free and Heart has been on the festival circuit on and off for quite a few years. The bottom line is that Arnel was a smash hit this summer. I think the success of the album, tour, and Arnel will allow them some flexibility when it comes to touring domestically again and you'll see a lot easier tour schedule. Probably the same amount of time with fewer dates. I have a feeling the Asian leg of the tour is going to be extensive. They'll be in Australia, too.

[Jana]

Thanks for your thoughts, Saint John, because I was worried if they had an extensive Asian tour and then went into the summer tour, it was really going to burn Arnel out or his voice.

[Tito]

Since Saint John poured out his heart, I will mine.

During my first few weeks at college I started getting a little homesick. I remember I was laying in bed one Saturday night (2nd or 3rd week of school) about 2 am and I heard this crash out on the sidewalk by the dorm. I lived on the 4th floor. Next thing I heard was one of my neighbors (who would become a good friend) marching down the hall saying, "The f-ckers just threw my fan out the window." As he went outside to retrieve the fan, debris started to be hurled down on him from a 4th floor window down the hall.

He made his way back up to his room and plugged in the fan and yelled, "Ha! It still works." No sooner that he said that, once again crash on the sidewalk. All I could do his laugh my ass off. Fast foward a little - I eventually got out of bed and out of my room to observe more of the comotion. There he was - a highly intoxicated Saint John laughing that he just threw our friend's fan out the window again. That's how I met Saint John. School was fun from that point on.

[Saint John]

Thanks for your thoughts, Saint John, because I was worried if they had an extensive Asian tour and then went into the summer tour, it was really going to burn Arnel out or his voice.

I'm not an expert on the Pacific Rim, but by "extensive" I'm guessing 10-15 shows at the most. Perhaps 3 shows in Manila, a few in Hong Kong, and then on to Japan. Is Bangkok a possibility? Can any of our Asian friends weigh in? Then off to see Drew in Australia.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Since Saint John poured out his heart, I will mine.

During my first few weeks at college I started getting a little homesick. I remember I was laying in bed one Saturday night (2nd or 3rd week of school) about 2 am and I heard this crash out on the sidewalk by the dorm. I lived on the 4th floor. Next thing I heard was one of my neighbors (who would become a good friend) marching down the hall saying, "The f-ckers just threw my fan out the window." As he went outside to retrieve the fan, debris started to be hurled down on him from a 4th floor window down the hall.

He made his way back up to his room and plugged in the fan and yelled, "Ha! It still works." No sooner that he said that, once again crash on the sidewalk. All I could do his laugh my ass off. Fast foward a little - I eventually got out of bed and out of my room to observe more of the comotion. There he was - a highly intoxicated Saint John laughing that he just threw our friend's fan out the window again. That's how I met Saint John. School was fun from that point on.

Great story. Love thowing shit off buildings.

[Rhiannon]

Chicago is awesome. I made a great choice... I'm toying with the idea of Colorado next...

Denver isn't too bad, but not a place I could settle. Nice to visit, though. Then again, I don't know what you do so your industry of chouce may be hot there.

I go wherever the wind takes me. Industry doesn't matter, I can chameleon myself into whatever industry or role. I adapt. I hate Denver though... if I did go to Colorado, it would be for one winter and I'd do some sort of hospitality/tourism gig in Steamboat Springs or similar. I've had friends to do that. Winters in Colorado, Summers on Hilton Head Island. But, I'm content for now. Kind of feeling settled, actually!

Anyway... Arnel doesn't have too much longer until he's home. The first bout is always the roughest... I think this will season him with some experience needed to do it for another year or 5 or however long. I have complete faith in him.

[Saint John]

Since Saint John poured out his heart, I will mine.

During my first few weeks at college I started getting a little homesick. I remember I was laying in bed one Saturday night (2nd or 3rd week of school) about 2 am and I heard this crash out on the sidewalk by the dorm. I lived on the 4th floor. Next thing I heard was one of my neighbors (who would become a good friend) marching down the hall saying, "The f-ckers just threw my fan out the window." As he went outside to retrieve the fan, debris started to be hurled down on him from a 4th floor window down the hall.

He made his way back up to his room and plugged in the fan and yelled, "Ha! It still works." No sooner that he said that, once again crash on the sidewalk. All I could do his laugh my ass off. Fast foward a little - I eventually got out of bed and out of my room to observe more of the comotion. There he was - a highly intoxicated Saint John laughing that he just threw our friend's fan out the window again. That's how I met Saint John. School was fun from that point on.

lol...Frank was so proud and happy that the fan survived the first toss...only to see me heave that fucker again the first chance I had. You do know that I was aiming for the pizza delivery guy the first time, don't you? Missed him by a foot. Good thing I had bad aim. What a stupid thing to do. The stories stop there, please.